Electronic discharge device



FIG, 2

'SLL

Filed Dec.v 4, 1943 J. E. CLARK ET AL ELECTRONIC DISCHARGE DEVICE.

Arro/VEK 1111131 1945- J.,E, @ARK Em., 1 2,380,502

` ELECTRONIC DIS-CHARGE DEVICE A Filed Dec. 4,'1943 7 sheets-sheet 2 ArToRA/EK July 31,1945 '.1., E.- CLARK E-rm.v

' ELECTRONIC DIsHARGE DEVICE Filed Dec. 4, 1943 v sheets-s116614V )NVM/mas;

July 31,1945. J. E. CLARK Erm.

' Y ELECTRONIC DISCHARGE' DEVICE.

Filed Dec., 4.?1943 7 sheets-sheet 5 'J CLARK wvfNroRs:

. By. n

' 6. Mael, x

A T'TORNEP July 31, 1945- A L .1.5i CLARK E'rAL ELECTRONIC DISCHARGE DEVICE '7 sheets-sheet 6 Filedv Dec. 4, 1943 Y J. E. INI/ENTORS.' CZE.V

ATTORNEY- July 31,1945.,

` "if TShqets-sheet 'I Filed nec. 4. 194s .1.5. 'cLA/k cf. my w.. Ro/vc/ A T TORNEY Patented July 3l, .1945

UNITED STATI-:s

zoolaims., (ol. 25o-27.5)

This invention relates to electronic discharge devices of high power capacity and more particularly to such devices of the rcontinuously evacg uated type adaptable to be readily demountableH PATENT oFFlca ELECTRONIC DISCHARGE DEVICE James E. Clark, Williston Park, N. Y., Clifford E. Fay, Chatham, N. J., and Victor L'. Ronci, New York, N. Y., assignors toBell Telephone Labo- I ratories, Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 4, 1943, Serial No. y512,918

- supplying a cooling iiuid to the channels.

pump which forms .the base of the devicewhile the oppositely disposed column is connected to a channeled metalliccollar having connections for A short hollow vitreous column is interposed between thefcooling collar and a metallic closure cap, the column being provided with sealed A further object of the invention is to emciently dissipate the heat energy generated in the de# vice to substantially eliminate thermal distorflange terminations to facilitate clamping'v to the collar and cap, respectively.

The'closure cap is provided with a plurality of permanently sealed insulated terminal conductors disposed in a circular boundary about acentral hollow iluid-cooled standard extending downwardly into the anode portion of the device.

tion of the elements thereby increasing the operating life of the individual'components.-

Another object of the invention is to maintain high insulation between the separate elecy trodes of the device while at the same time providing readily demountable substantially vacuum-tight seals between the parts of the. vessel enclosing the discharge path. Y

A further object of the invention is to insure constant linearity of the multiple sections of the electron emitting iilaments .and maintain uniform spacial relation thereof with respect to other cooperating electrodes in the device.V A I A still further object of the invention is to improve the mechanical Astability of the supporting structures of the separate electrodes to increase the useful life of the device.

Another object'of the invention is to facilitate the fabrication of the elongated internal elec trode assembles to eliminate vibrational forces in the structure.

A further object of the invention is to-avoid damage to the multiple conductor seals of the laments where they emerge from the top cas-` ing of the device; and 4 Another object of the invention is toY inhibit the eii'ect of the intense heat energy in thedis-y charge path on'the tension spring assemblies of the lament sections thereby preserving their resilient characteristics over long periods of operation. l These objects are attained in accordance with this invention in a. high power demountable discharge -device having power-ratingsof 500 kilowatts or higher in which an intermediate cylindrical anode portion of large diameter having a water-jacket casing is sealed at opposite ends to vitreous hollow columns provided with sealed flange terminations. `One of these columns is joined a continuously operated oil diifusion the standard supporting multiple filament sections to supply a copious source of electron emissionin the discharge path to the anode. The

Y lament sections yare distributed in parallel arid uniform spaced relation with respect to the internal anode surface by the standard and are heldV under uniform tension by rods extending through guide plates supportedion the standard and connected to insulated helical springs located in a romote portion of the device where they are protected from the intense heat energy vdissipated in the anode discharge path.

The channeled collar supports the control electrode or grid of the device which involves a plurality of U-shaped tubular sections mountedI in parallel overlapping relation in a circular boundary. 'I'he free ends oi' the sections are extended outwardlyv and coupled to the inlet and outlet channels of the collar while the overlapping curved ends are secured together to form a rigid truss structure. A wire helix surrounds the sections along the length of the filaments and is disposed between the laments and the surface of the anode.

In this construction'the grid and lament assemblies are adequately insulated from the high potential anode and from each other by insulating columns of high dielectric strength and the pump is similarly insulated from the anode at the opposite end.- Furthermore, these columns are hermetically sealed to flange terminations which cooperate with ange portions of the metallic components of the structure to provide demountable sections whereby any part which .might fail or be damaged during operation may be readily replaced with a minimum loss of time in service. A

A feature nof this construction is the location of the filament and grid supporting' structures as far as possible from the immediate intense heat zone within the anode area thereby maintaining such structures relatively cool so that excessive expansion and contraction forces are not apt to distort or fracture delicate parts thereof or deleteriously affect functional characteristics. of the components entering into the proper alignment of the sections of the filaments and the grid. However, these supporting structures are not excessively spaced from the anode longitudinally so that the over-all length of the device is prohibitive thereby avoiding serious inherent vibrational distortion problems which would materially aiect the operating characteristicsof the device.

Another feature of the invention relates to the further protection of the tension springs supporting the filament sections whereby the current supplied for heating the filaments to emission temperature is by-passed around the springs to offset heating of the springs which would deleteriously affect them by such thermal energy dissipation therein. This arrangement involves auxiliary conductive sleeves connected in parallel to the laments and coupled through compound expansion spring suspensions to the terminal conductors. The sleeves are connected to arcuate springs which in turn are bridged in pairs by other springs centrally lconnected to the lead-in conductors sealed into the closure cap of the device. These spring groups are mounted in oriented relation ontwo levels to facilitate adequate movement of the spring assemblies without danger of reducing the space insulation resistance between adjacent groups of filaments.

The filament assembly also involves a central water-cooled standardL of rugged construction to support the filament sections in uniform parallel relation under suitable tension to insure constant a,sso,soa

of defective parts. This is accomplished by pro viding a slotted guide ring on the filament clamping block at the lower end of the assembly, then mounting the outertubular member in the block in relation to the ring and finally sliding the inner tubular member within the outer member until it fits snugly over thei guide ring at the terminus of the standard.

Another advantage of this construction relates to the cooling of the grid assembly and the coupling of the upright hollow elements of the grids to the channel cavities in the grid supporting collar which forms a. section of the enclosing receptacle of the device. The grid uprights are tubular U-shaped sections having their ends extending radially and coupled tothe inlet and outlet channels of the grid collar through which the cooling fluid is circulated. These sections are overlapped to provide a substantially rigid assembly which forms a supporting body for the continuous grid winding around them. Furthermore, the wire grid is maintained in uniform spaced relation with respect to the filaments and vanode surface and can withstand considerable paraxlal symmetry with. respect to the grid and anode surfaces. This condition is realized by the insulated tensicn'springssecured to a rigid ring mounted on the standard, the springs being attached to guide rods slidably mounted in jewel bearing discs also mounted on the standard and the rods being joined to the filament sections which are attached on the opposite ends to a mounting block carried by the end of the standard. I

'I'he central standard extending downwardly from the closure cap is'formed of concentric tubular members to facilitate efncient cooling of the filament assembly so that a sufcient head of water is injected into the central tube to provide a rapid exchange of heat energy from the outer tubular member exposed to the heat generated in the device, the cooling uid flowing through openings in .the lower end of the central tube and passing through a cylindrical chamber formed between the concentric tubular members of the standard.

long length of these assemblies ordinarily would` Y make alignment extremely dimcult. This is accomplished by tapering the contact surfaces of the grid cooling collar with respect to the connecting fiangesthereof so that accurate alignmentof the grid assembly with respect to the anode and the same manipulation of the filament assembly with respect to the grid can b e obtained before the collar is finally atlixed to the flange connections'. f

Another feature of this construction is the assembly of the concentric tubes in the standard to facilitate easy fabrication and ready repair temperature changes without distortion due to the strong truss construction.

These and other features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following de- -tailed description which, together with the accompanying drawings, disclose 4the constructional assembly of an improved demountable high power discharge devicev fl 500 kilowatt rating.

Fig. l is a view in elevation of the device of f this invention showing the allocation of the vari- .ous electrodes separated by insulated sections with demountable join-ts and the continuously operated evacuating pump at the base of the device;

Fig. 2 illustrates the device of Fig. l'slightly enlarged in. longitudinal section with portions foreshortened to reduce the length and showing the detailed internal assembly of the electrodes;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the top closure of the device taken on the line 3--3 of Fig. `2 and showi ing the distribution of the current conductors and central standard extending from the closure;

Fig. 4 is a view in cross-section of the device taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 illustrating the arrangement of the conductors attached Ito suspension spring assemblies for the multiple filament sections:

Fig. 5 illustrates in cross-section a view online B- of Fig. 2, showing the assembly relating to the tensional support of the filament sections;

Fig. 6is a cross-sectional view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 2; I

Fig. 'I is a` view in cross-section of the device of Fig. 2 on'the line 1 1;

Fig. 8 is a cross-section on the line 8-8 of Fig. 2 showing details of the lower end of the illament assembly and standard;

Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the control electrodeassembly showing the overlapping truss structure of the uprights and portions broken away to show the connection `of these uprights to the supporting collar and the joint between one of the' couplingsand the channel in the collar;

Fig.` l0 is an enlarged perspective viewlof a portion of the filament assemblyillustrating the spring supporting arrangement of the multiple `parts ofthe casin without vcausing to al effecting renewals with a minimum loss off-servdemountable joint Abetween the metallic flange andinsulating column shown-in Figs.' 1 and 2;

Fig.c12,is anenlarged viewpartly in cross-sec-S trical'standpoint to insure a long operating life.

tion of the internal assembly of I'he lower end of the fluid-cooled central standar i;

Fig. 13 is a plan view, modified arrangement of the grid and filament assemblies to show .the-configuration ofthe grid winding and the supports thereof disposed con.- centricallyv within the boundary of theiilament:

strands; and

Fig.y 14 is an enlarged View incross-sectionot ing an intermediate anode portion 20, terminated byvitre0usl columns 2|. and 22, and a vacuum pump 23, of the oil diffusion type, forming the basel of the device and being joined tothe column 22. The column 2| is similarly fjoined to a fluid cooled collar 24 supporting a grid. or control electrode 25, and a short vitreous column 26 -is secured intermediate the collar 24and afclosurev cap 21 which is provided with. terminals 28 and a central iiuidcooled standard 29 for supporting k a fllamentary assembly 3|! extending. intothe anode 2|lin symmetrical relation to the grid and anode surfaces. The metallic sections 23, 24 and 21 are provided with flanged portions which' cooperate with hermetically sealed flanged terminations on `the remote ends of umnsv2| and 22 and-the oppo-site ends of 'the column 26 whereby adjacent sections may be removably joined together, vfor example, by clamping bolts 3|, to form airtightv joints between .the sections through the vinterposed. yieldable gaskets 32 lockedinthejoints.

The anodeportion .20 is'permanently attached partly 1n section, of ia1 theinsulating col-v f ble .assembly both. from a mechanical and elec-V substantially free from breakdown difficulties.

This isaccomplished by the structural features of the .device of this invention in which the oil pump 23 forms the `base of the assembly and generally includes a metallic chamber or housing 43 having a baille 44 therein, separating the chamber from a reservoir 45 containing adiffusible or vaporiz'able.materialgr such as diethlyl hexyl sebacate which is energized by a heater element 46 below the' reservoir to generate a supply of vapor in a highly diiused state through a central columnf41. provided with a truncated conical cap 48 to propel the vapor downwardly toward the wall'of the chamber to create a suction pressure to theA oppositely disposed columns 2| and 22 by` rings 33'and 34 which are hermetically sealed to the columns and the `anode ssurrounded by a cooling-jacketv 315 having expanded end portions 36- provided with inlet and outlet ports 37 and 38 for they circulation of a cooling,fluidthe'reinv to ydissipate the intense thermal energy 'genern ated' in the discharge path and conveyed` tothe anode by conduction.-` Thefcontrol electrode'lex` ternalcollar 24 is provided with inlet and outlet ports-39 and '40, Fig. 5, for right supports and the standardl 29 is'also provided with inlet andoutletports 4| and 42 for circulating a cooling fluid in the standard to dis# sipatethe heat energy along they axis of the device.r The general assembly forms a highlyk evacn uated electronic discharge device having a powerr the internal diameter be` output of 500 kilowatts, ing approximately 8%' inches and the over-all length being approximately 9 feet. The construction affords an efficient structure, Vhaving demountable joints whereby repairs may be easily accomplished to replace damaged elements'or loss of the device and in ice time during operation of the systemin which the device is installed. Furthermore, due to the length ofthe structure vand the increasedintense heatenergy generatedin the device to attain the required output power; considerable distortion and mechanical strain in the internal relements must be overcome to provide a highly. efficient and stacooling the grid up#` thev internal assemblies leading Atowards the outlet'of the pump. The walll ofthe chamber is surrounded by a fluidcooled jacket 49 which is provided with couplings topassI rthe cooling fluid through coils 50 adjacent baffle plates 5| and 52 ymounted in the throat of the pump. While an oil diffusion .pump is described `as one element of the device oft-this invention,'it is, of course, understood that any other type of vacuum pump may be substituted in the-"construction since the specific oil pump is merely A'described as an example of a vacuum producing compo'nentof the assembly'to insure the attainment of a sufflcientlyhigh Vacuum condition in the discharge path of theidevice. q

The upper end of the pump 4housing is joined to a flared ring member 53 having a flange portion 54 'provided with a ground seat and a similar kflange member `55 is mounted in juxtaposed rela,-

32' therebetween, the

tion vthereto with a gasket flanges .54 Land 55 being clamped together, for example, bybolts 3|. The opposite inner rim of flange member-55 is vkmachined to a plane surface to form a 'seat for `the ground end of a vitreous heavy w'alled'c'olumn or sleeve 22, preferably` of Pyrex or borosilicate glass. IIhis vitreous sleeve ishermeticallysealed to the ange mem, ber 55. as vsh'own more Vclearly in Fig.y 1-1, by a silverl 'solder joint produced by coating a band on the'exterior oi?-l the column adjacent the flange with metallic silver, in paste form, which is baked and polished. to provide a uniform metallic surface contiguous with the vitreous surface. The silver surface is tinned with alead-free solder, such'as89 the flange surface is similarly tinned and a copperor phosphor bronze band or ring 55 is rse.

curely brazed to' the vacuum-tight seal.

should be `thick enough to hold th'e column 22'in proper valignment with the ange yet sufficiently thin to compensate for differences in expansion and 'contraction between the metal and the glass. However, the ring is backed by the full thickness of the vglasscolumn at all'points so that there is no danger of. collapse or rupture of the seal.,

The opposite end of column 22'is similarly sealed to.` ring 34 by a metallic band 56 silveresoldered thereto/to complete one of the main insulating the 'pump and the anode porsections between tionQ.

The 'anode'sectio-n' 20 is formed of a long tubular member', preferably of "copper, having a diameter substantially the same as the .column 22 and'ring y34 and each end thereof is fused into an undercut yseat*inrings 33 and 34 with a high melting point'V solder per cent tin and 11 per cent silver and to form a leak-proof and' rigid joint. A pair of hollow toroidal end portions 86 are joined to opposite external ends of the tubular anode adjacent the rings 33 and 34 with the oppositely disposed cylindrical extensions thereof being spaced in aligned relation from the surface of the anode and being coupled v together by a sleeve portion 35 to form a jacket. Each toroidal end portion is provided with radial tubulations distributed in quadrature relation to form inlet and outlet connections 31 and 38, respectively, to supply a cooling lluid which flows along the cylindrical surface of -the anode in the constricted chamber extending from the inlet 31 to the outlet 38 in parallel sectional paths. This anode and jacket construction is similar to that disclosed in United States Patent 1,984,548, issued December 18, 1934, to V. L. Ronci et al. The ring 33 at the `top of the 'anode section is sealed to vitreous column 2| by a copper band 56 .and silver solder joint, as heretofore described,

and the opposite end of column 2| is similarly sealed to a metallic flange ring member 51.

The collar member`24, as shown more clearly in Fig, 9, is a metallic ring having vertically aligned rectangular shaped toroidal openings 58 and 59 formed therein to function as inlet and outlet channels, respectively, for circulating a cooling fluid therethrough, the channel 58 beingv provided with oppositely disposed couplings 39 to facilitate joining hose connections thereto and the channel 59 having transversely disposed couplings 48 for similar hose connections to circulate water or other cooling fluid therethrough. The collar 24 is provide-d with exterior tapered or truncated conical surfaces 60, which are secured,

for instance by soft solder, at. opposite ends to cylindrical extensions of flange rings 6| and 62 and a similar ange ring 83 ismounted against the ilange 82 whereby the water-cooled collar 24 may be easily demountable by the removal of the clamping bolts and gaskets between the respective pairs of fla'nge rings 51--6I and 62--68. The short vitreous column 26 is hermetically sealed to the flange ring G3 on one end and a similar flange ring 64 on the other end by the copper L band-silver1 solder seal, as previously described, and la metallic cover cap 21 terminates the upper end of the enclosing vessel of the device and is clamped to the flange ring 84 by bolts in the same manner as heretofore described in connection with the demountable joints employed in this invention. f

The closure cap 21 is provided with six outwardly extending integral ferrules 65 forming small diameter apertures arranged in space relation on a circular boundary and surrounding a large diameter opening formed by an inwardly projecting shoulder extension 86. The ferrules support tubular insulated seals of identical construction which are formed of a copper tube 61 soldered into the ferrule, the tube having a knife edge rim welded to a vitreous sleeve 68 and terminated by a copper cup member 69 also having a knife edge rim welded to the sleeve 68, the cup member being provided with a cylindrical extension 18 having sockets in opposite ends thereof. A flexible braided solid conductor 1|, preferably of copper, extends linearly from the exterior socket yof the ex-tension 18 and carries a rigid cylindrical terminal 28 on the free end of the conductor. A tubular metallic upper casing portion 12 extends through the shoulder extensionGS and is soldered thereto intermediate the ends of th'e casing, the outer end of the casing being fitted and soldered into a circular slot of Aan annular spacer plate 13 having a serrated periphery to accommodate the six flexible conductors extending around the rim thereof. An insulating band 14, such as mica, surroundseach conductor in contact with the serrated edge of the plate and a clamping strap 15 secures each' conductor to the plate. with screws, as shown more clearly in Fig. 3. A small diameter nipple'16 is secured centrally in the annular plate 13 and is provided with a coupling connection 4| to fasten a supply hose thereto. The inner end of the nipple is attached to an annular ring 11 which supports an elongated tubular member 18 extending coaxially within the tubular casing 12 and providing a cylindrical passageway therebetween of small crosssection for the outlet ilow of the cooling fluid to outlet coupling 42 in the casing wall intermediate the plate 13 and the ring 11. aiords'a rigid supporting assembly for the series of conductors extending a considerable distance from the closure cap 21 so that mechanical strains do'not ailect ythe insulated seals joined to the cap. Furthermore, th'e central casing forms a large dimension base to maintain stable relation between the various conductors and facilitates easy access to couple the hose connections to the casing for the circulation of a fluid along the axis of the device.

A relatively long tubular casing member 18 coaxially encloses the tubular member 18 and is coupled to the upper casing member by a sleeve section 80, the lower end of the casing 19 extending slightly beyond the end of the inner member 18, as shown in Fig. l2. A metallic disc 8| having concentric grooves on one surface supports a guide sleeve B2 mounted in the inner groove and the elongated tubular member 18 slidably engages the sleeve to complete the inlet channel of the cooling casing. The long casing member 19 is soldered into the outer groove in the disc and the guide sleeve is provided with `a plurality of cut-out portions 83 adjacent the disc to -form communicating openings from the inlet channel to the outlet channel extending between the coaxial tubular members 18 and 19 `of the casing. The disc 8| `also forms a base` for a mounting plate 84, of larger diameter, having a scalloped l periphery 85, Fig. 8, with parallel notches 85 formed in the edge of the plate intermediate the scalloped portions. The slida'ble connection between the guide sleeve 82 and the inner tubular member 18 allows suitable longitudinal movement of the inner member due to expansion and contraction of thev standard and Yavoids distortion stresses affecting the proper functions of the device.

` A plurality of lamentary strands or sections 81, preferably of drawn tungsten, are located in the notches and are clamped around the edge of the plate 84 by metallic blocks 88 to extend upwardly in parallel relation on a circular boundary almost to the upper end of the anode portion 20 of` the device. These sections are embedded in rigid connectors 89 threaded to linear guide rodsv 90 extending through frictionless jewel bearings 9| formed in the tortuous rim of a pair of mounting plates 92 and 93 supported in spaced relation on the central casing by stop rings 94 and 95, respectively. The jewel bearings are held in the recesses of the plates by arcuate retainer strips 99, Figs. 6 and 7. The guide rods are terminated by couplings 91, Fig. 10, having eyeleted ends and are. interconnected to oppositely disposed suspension rods 98 by linearly arranged This construction secured in recesses, as shown in Fig. 14,'

i along the axis of the device. z

helical tension springs 90'y extending between guide plate 93 and a nal mounting plate V| 00 secured tothe casing by a stop ring |0|. Thesuspension rods 98 extend through radially projecting portions |02 of the plateV |00, Fig. 5, formed rby thereticulated'periphery of the plate and are insulated from the plate by ceramcbushings |03 held in the plate due to the threaded nut superimposed on the bushings. v This construction insures a rugged assembly for the multiple filament sections in which the central cooling casing forms a longitudinal standard along the whole length of the filament assem-bly'to prevent ydistortion strains affecting the sections. Furthermore, the sections are maintained in collateral relation and substantially free from vibrational stresses due to the uniformity of tension and the alignment of the supporting components of the filament sections. Other advantages of this construction are the displacement of Athe tensoned springs away from the intensel heating zone iin the vicinity of the anode portion of the device and the emcient Vcooling of the complete vlanrientmounting The'heating current necessary for bringing the filament sections to suitable operating'temperature in order to supply the'high electronic emission flowing to the anode 20 wouldsgreatly endanger the rresilient properties of the tension Y springs 99 supporting the `filament sections and,

according to .this invention, this deleterious heating effect ofthe springs is overcome by conveying the current to the filament sections throughv aux- .iliary `conducting members which parallel the 1 springs but by-,pass the current tothe filament sections Without affecting the springsl This is accomplished by joining rigid metallici4 split sleeves-|04, preferably of copper, and of arcuate crossfsection, to the guide. rods 90 adjacent the couplings 91 and arranging them to partially encircle the springs and the radial portions |02 of the mounting plate |00, alternate pairs of adjacent sleeves being of different lengths to terminate them in two planes or levels thereby insuring adequate spaced relation and high insulation paths betweenthe collateral conducting elements. The lower end of each sleeve is provided with a pair of spaced centrally Perforated disc lportions |05 and |06 which are engaged by the coupling 91, the portion |05 forming a stop member against Vthe abutting shoulder of the coupling. The upper end of each sleeve is provided with a single disc K fportion |01- to which is attached-a vertically arranged arcuate leaf spring |08, the curved portion of pairs of springs being positioned in angular l quadrate relation, i. e., .pairs of springs are connected to sleeves spaced in quadrifilar relation in each level and the springs being aligned in converging but spaced relation, as shown in Fig. 10.

'I'he springs in each layer or plane ara-therefore,

mounted in triangular configuration with the springs in one plane or level being in directly opposite relation to the springs in the other level,

' as killustrated in Fig. 4. Each fpair of springs is then joined, for example, by rivets, to a bridging lead spring |v having a convex contour` and the center of'each lbridging spring is secured to a rigid conductor H0 extending from the sealed terminal socket l0l on the closure cap. l

-These triangularly arranged spring assemblies,

f therefore, interconnect the current conductors sealed in the stem or :closure cap to the conduct-v f ing sleeves which are coupled to the filament sections so that heating current may be supplied to thelaments. Furthermore, theycompensate for expansion and contraction of the filaments during operation and therefore maintain the filament sections in uniform lateral relation with respect to the active surface of the anode of the device. They also relieve the tension springs from sudden changes in thermal conditions in the device and neutralize twisting stress between the conducting sleeves and conductors which might c-ause cracks or fractures in the insulating seals in the closure pension load on the springs and facilitates the` grouping of the filaments to the terminal conductors extending from the device. The coupling of pairs of filaments lying in fourth relation to each other to different conductors equalizes the effect of the heating current flowing in'adjacent sections so that the phases are in equal and opposite directions whereby detrimental hysteresis effects are neutralized and the electric fields around the filament sections do not seriously impede the flow of electrons across the discharge path tothe anode. i

The control electrode or grid 25-surrounding the filament assemblyand coaxially spaced from the anode portion of the device is fluid -cooled to maintain stable spaced relation thereof with respect to the'other cooperating electrodes and also is rigidly constructed to prevent warping and to offset torsional stresses therein due to the length thereof. This is accomplished, in accordance with this invention, by forming the parallel uprights of the grid into U-shaped tubular frame members as shown more clearly in Fig. 9, having elbow joints ||2 on the ends thereof,v one being connected to the inlet channel 58 in the external collar or grid cooling jacket 24 and the other being connectedV to the outlet channel 59 of the jacket. The circulation of a cooling fluid through the grid frame dissipates the heat energy conducted to the grid due to its interjacent relation with respect to the incandescent lament sections and the high potential anode and also ldecreases the effect of,secondary emission from 55 Y' the grid which normally counteractsthe flow of primary emission between the'fllament sections and the anode. The U-shaped frames are mounted in parallel relation on a circular boundary with,

the bent portions adjacent theA lower end of the anode portion 20 in'l overlapping'relation toform a rigid truss construction, the lcrossing points of the' frames being soldered to? combine all the frames into an integral unit. Y

. AThe vparallel legs of the frame members are spaced in quadrilar. relation so ythat ther return leg of one frame is connected'to an outlet opening in the grid collar jacket 24 which is spaced in Vfourth place fromfthe inlet opening of the other leg of the frame member. The other frame members aredistributedin like manner with the elbow joints in sta'ggeredv relation and equally space? adjacent the inner'periphe'ry of the grid collar '24;' The iframe' members extend parallel to the split sleeves |04 and the guide rods 90 of the filament assembly andare bent inwardly bef yond the lower guide plate 92` to bring the remainder portions of-the frames closely adjacent and equally spaced between the parallel filament sections 8l, as shown in Fig. 8. The inwardly bent portions of the frame are surrounded by a wide reenforcing collar I I3 and a helical wire grid II4 embraces the frame members and is welded thereto over a length from the collar I I3 to a point beyond the end lof the filament assembly. This winding also extends along the whole length of the anode portion 20.

Since the grid assembly is rigidly ailixed to the collai` 24 and the long frame structure extends down into the anode portion 20 it would lbe dirhcult to secure proper coaxial `space relation between these elements unless suitable compensating adjustments were provided to attain such relationship. When the grid frame assembly is mounted Within the anode portion 26 with the collar 24 and ange 6I superimposed on the ange joint between the collar and flange may be finally sea-led with solder. Similarly, in mounting the filament yassembly within the grid and anode, manipulation of the structure supported above the flange portion 62 may be obtained by heating the solder joint between the ilange 52 and the collar to permit the structure to be adjusted 'by means of the conical joint 6U to properly align the lament assembly coaxially with respect to the grid and anode surfaces. After this adjustment is completed the joint is with solder.

A modication of the cooperative assembly of the filament and grid structures is shown in Fig. 13 to illustrate an alternative arrangement of the grid frames and winding thereon to prevent shielding effect of the filament sections in the cylindrical fplane of the filaments. This construction is similar to the grid and filament assembly, heretofore described, except that the grid frames III adjacent the lower guide plate 92 are i bent inwardly more acutely than in the p-reviously described structure so that the lower portions of the frame are brought closer together within the compass of the lament sections, although these portions are permitted to extend shaped projections I I5 on the plate. The convolutions IIB of the grid winding are supported on the grid frames located within the filament sections .but'the sinuous winding extends outwardly around each lilament section between parallel adjacent uprights of the frames.

The individual electrode assemblies are strongly constructed and capable of eciently cooperating to deliver a high power output over a long period of operating service. It is realized that the highcost of installation and replacement of a device of the size lto expend 500 kilowatts. of energy, would be prohibitive unless considerable salvage value could be obtained or replacement parts could be substituted in the eld without serious loss of time and capital investment. The device of this invention satisfies the second and more influentialobjective since the demountable features of the components of the device permit easy replacement of any part of the structure which may be 'damaged by accidental or destructive causes, such as arcing and burn-out,'so'that `repairs may be made expeditiously and accurately to restore the device to its initial utility. Furpermanently sealed 2,*3s-og502 vthermore, 'the air-tight clamp-joints andthe Amet-al-to-glass seals betweenl the metallic portions andthe insulating vcolumns insure the atloA `5() beyond the lament clamping plate 84 by the stari tainment of a'high yvacuum discharge in the device during operation, the clamped sections of the device being as far removedas possible from the high temperaturezone of the discharge path so that deterioration of the joints is held to a minimum.

While the specific constructional assembly of the device of .this invention has been disclosed, it is vapparent that many modications and changes may be made in thefabrication and ar` rangement of elemental parts of the device without departing from .the scope ofthe invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimedis:

1. A high power relectronic discharge device comprising a series of enclosure sections including an, intermediate water-cooled anode, hollow vitreous columns on opposite ends of said anode, a metalliccollar `joined to one of said columns, a closurecap at one end, a hollow vitreous sleeve Abetween said collar. and cap, parallel terminal conductors extending outwardly from said cap, a hollowstandard extending on opposite sides of Vsaid cap, said standard projecting substantially to the remote end of lsaid anode, a plurality of lament sections disposed in parallel relation around saidstandard and attached thereto at one end, duall spring assemblies connecting said filament sections to said conductors, hollow frame members `disposed ladjacent said lament sections and connected to said collar, and a con- Vtinuous wire helix carried by said frame members portion closing the open end of said short vitreous column, a plurality of terminal conductors projecting' from said cap portion, a filament assembly carried by said cap portion, connected to said conductors and extending into said anode portion, and a grid assembly including tubular frame members disposedparallel to said filament assembly and terminated at said channeled collar.

-3. A high power electronic discharge device vcomprising Va series of enclosure sections includlone end, a pluralityof tension springs insulatingly supported 'by said standard and individually connected to eachof said filament sections, a plurality of sectional sleeve members coupled to said iilament sections in parallel relation to f said tension springs, said springs being partially shielded by said sleeve members, multiple sus- ;pension springs connecting ,pairs of .said sleeve membersto individual conductors in said-*closure` cap, hollow frame members'ndisposed .adjacent said lament sections andconnected to. said'collar; anda continuous wire helixicarried vby, said frame lmembers and vuniformly spaced-,between said anode.;

L 4. v A high Apowerv electronic discharge device comprising a series of enclosure, sections includingian intermediate water-cooled anode, vhollow vitreous columns on opposite ends of said-anode, a

metallic collar joined to one of said columns,` a

f closure cap at one end, Iahollow vitreous .sleeve between said collar and cap, metallic flanged rings hermetically sealed onopposite'r ends of said .vit-

yreous columns and sleeve, means for clamping said rings'to said anode, collar .and cap, Yresjoectively, to form air-tight joints therebetween, parygallel terminal conductors extendingfoutwardly from said cap, a water-cooled central standard tachedztheretoat'one end, a plurality of tension .spring'sginsulatedly vsupported by said lstandard Vandindividually,connected"to'said filament sections, dual springassemblies connecting said filay,mentsections tosaid conductors in pairs, alpluralityfof Ll-shaped tubular frame members disposedadjacentsaid filament sections and having radially lbent endr portions coupled to said collar, 1 said' frame members being inv overlapping relation in a circular rboundary adjacent saidzlament sections; and a continuous wire helix carried by said frame'members and uniformly spaced betweensaid'iilament sections'and the inner surf face of said anode.

extending on Iopposite sides of said cap, said Y standard projecting substantially to the remote endof saidanode, a-plurality ofnlament sections disposed in parallel relation around said ,standn ard and'attachedthereto at one end, dual spring assemblies connecting said-filament sections to said conductorsA in pairs, hollowframe members" disposedadjacent said filament sections and connected to said collar, and a continuous wire helix bcarried ,by said frame members and uniformly spaced between said lament sections and vthe innersurface of said anode. v'

z e' 5. A ,high power. electronic discharge device comprising a series of enclosure sections including an intermediate water-cooled anode, hollow vit reous `columns on opposite endsof saidar'iode,` a metallic collar joined toi one-of said'columns, a

f closure cap at one end, a hollow vitreous ysleeve between said collar and cap, parallel terminall conductors extendingjoutwardly from said cap, Iahollow standard extending on opposite sides of saidcap, said standard projecting substantially Atothe remote end of said anode, a plurality of filament sectionsr disposed in parallel relation i around said standard and attached thereto at y one end, a plurality of tension springs insulatingly supported by said standard and individually con- ',semblies connecting said filament sections tosaid conductors in pairs, said dual springs and ten- `sion springs being located ina relatively cool por- Ation of said device intermediate said cap and ,l collar, hollow framer members disposed adjacent ,o said ilamentl sectionsk and connected vtoysaid :,collaigand a continuous wire helix carried by said frame members kand uniformly spacedlo'etween said filamentsectionsand the inner surface of said anode, said collar having tapered surfaces rwhereby said frame members and ilament sections are ycoaxially aligned with respect to said anode. i I

6.,A.high .power electronic discharge device comprising a'series of enclosure sections including an intermediate)water-cooled anodehollow vitcolumns, aA closure cap at'one end, a hollow vitjre'ous sleeve between said co-llar and cap, parallel f Aterminal conductors extending outwardlyA from said cap; a hollow water-cooled standard extending on opposite sides of said cap, said standard A"projecting substantially tothe remote end oisaid' j anode, a plurality of filamentsections disposed in 7,VA `high-power electronic discharge -device comprising afseries of enclosuresections including `varrintermediate water-cooled anode, hollow vitreous columnson opposite ends 'of said anode, a

metallicwater-cooled'collar joined to one of said columns,v a closure cap at one end,a` hollow vitreous sleeve-betweenisaid collar and cap, parallel terminal conductors extending outwardly from said cap a hollow water-cooled standard extend` ing on opposite sides of Vsaid cap,` said standard projecting substantially to the remote end of said anode, a plurality of lament sections disposed rin parallelgrelation around said standard and attached thereto at one end, a plurality or tension 'springs insulatingly supported by said standard and individually connected tov said lament sections, a pluralityv of sectionalV sleeve members l coupled tosaid filament sections in parallel relation to'said'tension springs, anarcuate leaf spring nected` to each lament section, dual spring asconnected at one end toeach lament' section, a 35.

5 arcuate springs, said vconductors beingl centrally bridging leaf spring connectedv to each pair of attached to said bridging springs, hollowY iframe members disposed adjacentsaid filament sections and connected -tOsaidWater-'cooled collar, anda continuous Wire helix carried by said frame members and uniformly spaced between said lament sections and the inner surface of said anode.

8. In an electronic discharge device, a filament asserriblyI comprising a stem portion having a plurality of terminal,` conductors sealed therein, a

central standardextending from said stem portion, a plurality of spacer members carried bysaid standard, parallel filament sections disposed in a j circular boundary between .a pair of said spacer assembly comprising a rstemvportion having a plun ra1ityof=terminal conductors sealed therein, a

. reous columns on opposite ends of said anordeya Y metallic Water-cooled collar joined` to konere-f 'said central standard extending from said stem portion, a plurality of filament sections disposed in a circular boundary and attached at one end to said standard, aplurality of tension springs carried by saidstandard and joined to the other r-ends of said filament sections, rigid conducting f ymembers secured to said lament sections and extending beyond said tension springs, and staggered compound spring rassemblies coupling said conducting members to said conductors.

;,1O.`In` an electronicA vdischarge device, a fila-` ment assemblycomprisng a stem portion having ra plurality of'terminal conductors sealed therein,

a central standard extending from said stern portion, a plurality of filament sections disposed in a circular boundary and attached at one end to said standard, a plurality of tension springs carried by said standard and joined to the other ends of said filament sections, rigid conducting sectional sleeves attached tosaid iilament sections and partially surrounding said tension springs, and leaf expansion springs connecting pairs of said sleeves to said conductors.

11. In an electronic discharge device, a filament assembly comprising a stem portion having a plurality of terminal conductors sealed therein, a central standard extending from said stem portion, a plurality of lilament sections disposed in a circular boundary and attached at one end to said standard, a plurality of tension springs carried by said standard and joined to the other ends of said filament sections, rigid conducting members secured to said filament sections and extending beyond said tension springs in parallel relation, and leaf expansion springs connected to pairs of said sleeves and said conductors, said leaf springs being mounted in two levels in triangular opposed relation.

12. In an electronic discharge device, a filament assembly comprising a stem portion having a plurality of terminal conductors sealed therein, a central standard extending from said stemportion, a plurality of lament sections disposed in a circular boundary and attached at one end to said standard, a plurality of tension springs carried by said standard and joined to the other ends of said filament sections, rigid conducting sectional sleeves attached to said filament sections and partially surrounding said tension springs, arcuate leaf springs connected to said sleeves, and bridging leaf springs coupling said arcuate springs in pairs,said conductors being centrally attached to said bridging springs.

13. In an electronic discharge device, a filament assembly comprising a stem portion having a plurality of sealed terminal conductors extending in parallel relation therefrom, a central watercooled standard extending. from said stem portion, a plurality of lament sections surrounding said standard, means interposedbetween said filament sections and conductors to compensate for expansion and contraction of said sections, said standard having a iiuted guide sleeve therein adjacent one end, an inner concentric tubular member within said standard and engaging said guide sleeve, and a reenforcing clamping ring carried by the opposite end of said inner tubular member external to said device and engaging said conductors.

14. In an electronic discharge device, a filament assembly comprising a cap portion having a plurality of sealed terminal conductors Vextending in parallel relation therefrom, acentral hollow elongated standard projecting from opposite sides of said cap portion, a guide member within one end of said standard, a tubular member joined to said guide member Aand forming with said standard concentric` inlet and outlet chambers for the passage of a cooling uid therethrough, said tubular member projecting beyond said standard, an apertured closure affixedto saidv tubular member and joined to one enduof said standard, means .clamping said conductors conductors to compensate for expansion and contraction of said sections.

15. In an electronic discharge device, a fluidcooled control electrode assembly comprising a channeled metallic annular member, a plurality of tubular U-shaped frame members having their terminations connected to said annular member, said frame members extending in parallel relation in a circular boundary, each arcuate portion of said frame members being disposed in overlapping relation to an adjacent portion and secured thereto thereby forming a rigid truss strucin parallel relation on a circular boundary, the

pair of legs of each member being disposed in quadrate relation to each other and the arcuate portieri of the frame members overlapping two adjacent frame members to form a rigid truss structure, a circular band attached to said members intermediate said arcuate portions and said annular member, and a continuous helix attached along the length of said legs between said arcuate portions and said band.

i7. In combination, a lament assembly comprising a central standard, a plurality of parallel lament sections supported thereby in a circular boundary about said standard, a control grid associated with said filament assembly including a plurality of upright members having portions disposed in two boundaries of different diameters, the boundaryof smaller diameter bef ing along the length of said filament sec-tions to said closure, a vplurality of filament sections whereby these upright portions are disposed within and concentric with the boundary of said filament sections, and a continuous helical winding carried by said upright portions of smaller diametric dimension, said winding having symmetrical sinuous portions extending from pairs of said upright ,portion-s around said filament sections and uniformly spaced with respect thereto.

18. A demountable high power` electronic discharge device comprising a.plurality of tubular sections involving a water-cooled anode portion, vitreous columns on opposite ends of said anode portion, a water-cooled collar on the opposite end of one ofsaid columns, a metallic closure on one end of said device, a vi-treous column between said collar and closure, each of said columns having a metallic terminating member hermetically sealed thereto at each end, means for removably securing the terminating members of said columns to saidanode portion, collar and closure, respectively, a plurality of insulated parallel terminal conductors hermetically sealed to and projecting fromsaid closure, a central watercooled standard` extending downwardly from said closure to the remote endof said anode portion, a plurality of filament sections supported by said standard and mounted in spaced coaxial relation with respect to the inner surface of said anode portion, compound spring assemblies coupling pairs of said filament sections to said conductors, a plurality of tubular U-shaped frame members coupled to the inner surface of said water-cooled 'i y20. Av demountable high .power electron discollar, said frame membersextending into lsaid anode portion, and a Wire grid 'helix supported on said frame members and uniformly spaced bel I tween said lament sections and the inner ysurface of said anode portion. f 19. A high powerdemountable electron discharge device comprising lan intermediate hollow l anode portion havingpassageways for the circulation of a cooling fluid, insulating sleeve portions?, having metallic Vflange. terminations rigidly" clamped to oppositevends of said anode portion, an oil diffusion evacuating pumphousing rigidly clamped to Ione end of one of said insulating'sleeve portions and forming the base of the device, a channeled metallic collar clamped to the oppo-` site end of the other sleeve portion, Asaidcollar having ports for the circulation of a cooling fluid therein, a cylindrical grid electrode extending coaxially within said anode portion, said grid being formed of a plurality of U-shaped tubular sections arranged in a circular boundary,'the

charge device comprising a pluralityof tubular sections involving a water-cooled anode portion, vitreous ,columnsv on opposite endsy of said anode portion, a Water-cooled collar on the opposite end of one of saidy columns, anapertured metallic closure on one end of said device, a vitreouscolf umn between said collar vand closure, a metallic flange member in vabutting relation on eachl end of said vitreous columns, a copper sleeve hermetically sealing Ithe flange members to the adjacent outersurface -of said columns, clamping bolts free ends of said sections being connected to openings in said channeled collar, a continuous wire helically wound on and encircling `said sections, an apertured metallic cap portion, a short insulating sleeve portion' clamped intermediate said collar and cap portion, a central vhollow standard carried by said cap portion and'extending into the space surrounded by said grid elec- .trode and anode portion, means for circulating a cooling iiuid through said standard, a block 'car-1 ried by said standard remote from vsaid cap portion, a plurality'of insulated terminal conductors f projecting from said cap portion, a ring support? carried by saidl standardy adjacent `said collar, a plurality of parallel ltension springs attached to said support, a plurality of filaments extending between said springs and block, individual ventedr conductive sleeves attached to said lamentsand enclosing said springs, `and multiple arcuate springs coupling said conductive sleeves to said'.-

conductors.

securing saidfiiange' members to similar portions onk said anode, collar and closure, respectively,

. parallel insulated terminal conductors extending outwardly from said closure, a central tubular water-cooled standard extending from said clo- 'sure to a remote end of said anode portion, parallel filament sections supported on one end of `said standard in a circular boundary adjacent the inner surface of said anode portion, individualv insulated tension springs carried by said standard and connected to said filament sections, bye pass conductive members als'o connected to said filament sections and extending beyond said tension spring, multiple leaf spring kassemblies mounted in' superimposed relation intermediate said collar and closure and coupling pairs of said filament sections yto said terminal conductors, a

plurality of tubular U-shaped frame members in parallel overlapping relation having radial end portions connected to the inner sur-face of said collar, a metallic ring intermediate the ends of and embracing the frame members, and a continuous wire helix surrounding said frame mem-l bersiand attached ythereto between said ring and `the curved ends thereof.

JAMES E. CLARK. v CLIFFORD FAY. VICTOR. L. kRONCI. 

